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Saturday, November 6, 2010

"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall rise up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

In October when I sensed the "Unlock the Bible" series coming on, I knew posting 30 days in a row would be a challenge. I expected it to feel like a marathon. And I braced myself to be strong; to prioritize this commitment above holiday hubbub.

Three days into the series, the Lord reminded me not to run ahead of him.

After all, God's Word is timeless. And posting a 30 day series in the 30 days of a calendar month... that's an arbitrary designation. And, he did just speak to me last week about spending more time with my family.

So, I am going to go with the natural flow of readership, and take weekends for rest, waiting on God, and preparing for the next week in the series. I'll still post! But I'll save the tips and direction on systematic study for weekdays.

And those 8 weekend days when I planned to share background information about "how to read" the different types of literature in the Bible? Will probably be first condensed as a single post, and then either expanded to a stand-alone 10-part series or simply added to this body of work that I hope to refine and publish as an e-book early next year.

Today, I encourage you to implement some Breakfast Bible Time. Spend time waiting on God, asking him to speak to you through his Word. The prompting of the Holy Spirit will provide far better instruction than I ever can.

By the way, did you notice that verse at the top was in KJV? When I find myself quoting a verse in King James' English, I know I learned it early, before the age of 10. This must have been one of the first, because I actually hear it as a song, sung by the reedy voice of my Kindergarten teacher. Gotta love music as a Bible memory tool.

We will look at the tool of memorization in about ten days. Yesterday we began some Lunchtime Literary Analysis by considering versions of the Bible. Over the coming week, we will look at more literary questions such as:

Who wrote the Bible?

Who decided what writings are the "inspired Word of God"?

What types of literature are found within the Bible?

What different tools can I use to help me understand what I'm reading?

Plus I will offer another way to read and interact with the text of Scripture.

Wait on the Lord with me today, and renew your strength. I'll see you Monday.

2 comments:

I think that it's totally awesome that you're taking some time out for your family. There's no sense in burning yourself out to get things done quickly when you can spread things out a little more and be happier (and do what God wants you to do!).

Just what I needed to read...care if I enjoy a little breakfast Bible in the afternoon? =) I've been scurrying around getting ready for a trip and my motor's going at high speed. Time to stop, rest in Him and let His word quiet my soul.